Sumter County Living - Fall 2022 by With You In Mind Publications

Hometown Living at its Best Fall 2022 SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

VISITING SUMTER COUNTY

Americus, Georgia, Sumter County is rich in history, talent, and beauty.

TWO RECIPES FOR SUCCESS Little Brother’s Bistro and Toboggan Steve’s

t o p S t Swee HITTING THAT

OUT OF EMILY SIMPSON'S CULINARY CREATIONS, THE SWEET SPOT WAS BORN.

Simple, flavorful, memorable. Enjoy the luxury of fresh small batch baking!

841 Elm Ave | AMERICUS, Georgia 31709 (229) 380-4190 | www.sweetspotbaking.com

125 blessings Years of

After 125 years God continues to pour out His blessings on Central Baptist Church.

Central Baptist Church is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. As part of this celebration, Central will host a special service on Sunday September 11 with ‘The Isaacs’ leading worship. The Isaacs, members of The Grand Ole Opry and nominated for a Grammy, will also be in concert with us that evening. We hope you will make plans to celebrate with us. In 1897, 43 charter members organized Furlow Lawn Baptist Church and R. L. Bivins was called

sumter county living

to be the pastor. Some 20 years later in 1917, the name was changed to Central Baptist Church. Throughout the 125 year history, God has blessed Central in so many ways and CBC has played a vital role in missions - locally, domestically, and internationally. In December 2005, the church relocated to 190 Upper River Road, moving from 502 South Lee Street where Dr. Bryan C. Myers currently serves as the Senior Pastor and he is the 17th man to hold that position - he began in that role in February 2013. As we seek to ‘Connect to God, Connect to Others, and Connect to the World’, God continues to pour out His blessings on Central. With nearly 150 acres, almost 5 miles of walking trails, a Recreation Outreach Center, over 70,000 square feet of facility space, a 33-hole disc golf course, 2 playgrounds, and a heart for the local community, you and your family are always invited to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 AM. As we look to the future and maintain our desire to spread The Gospel of Jesus across Southwest Georgia, we agree with the apostle Paul as he told the church in Philippi, ‘I thank my God in all my remembrance of you’ (Philippians 1:3). Sumter County and the surrounding areas, Central Baptist Church loves you and we are thankful for each of you. John 3:16 ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’ Please consider joining us for the following: Sundays at 9:30 AM Real Momentum Revival - July 31-August 3 125 Year Anniversary - September 11 River 190 Fall Festival - November 6 Christmas Eve Candle Light Service December 24 Stay connected with Central at www.cbcamericus.org

CENTRAL BAPTIST C H U R C H 190 UPPER RIVER ROAD | AMERICUS , GA 31709 (229) 924-4092 | CBCAMERICUS.ORG Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown Living at its Best

CONTENTS /

FALL ISSUE 2022

Living Well After Leukemia:

10 Visiting Sumter County Americus, Georgia, Sumter County is rich in history, talent, and beauty. There is a lot to offer their residents, not just the tourists.

Local Dentist Shares Her Story on Fighting Cancer and Coming out Clean.

Hitting that Sweet Spot As the orders for Emily Simpson's culinary creations increased, The Sweet Spot was born.

It’s Muscadine Time! Matt Johnson and Jerry English were looking for an investment property to put some capital into; together they have created an impressive vineyard at Wolf Creek Plantation.

Two Recipes for Success Steve Miller, owner of Little Brother’s Bistro and Toboggan Steve’s, has built his business from the ground up and made it successful and really gratifying.

ON T H E C O V E R Cupcakes made by The Sweet Spot Baking Co. >> BLANCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

4 FALL 2022 / SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

Hometown Living at its Best

C O NT E NTS

The Legacy of an Educator Dr. Larry Collins, Headmaster of Southland Academy, is using the field of education to change the world, especially in Sumter County.

106

Serving Up A Bright Future 10-year-old Dylan Gruber uses his cooking to bring himself joy and make others happy.

126

Giving Farmers a Fighting Chance Cafe Campesino and Cooperative Coffees Give Small-Scale Farmers a Shot at the International Market.

78 Where Community Ties are Forged Kay Snipes, owner of Topiaries Home and Garden, has created a lush shopping experience in downtown Americus.

6 FALL 2022 / SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

a better way to bank

FIRSTATE BANK

ESTABLISHED 1964

Meeting the financial needs of the community, First State Bank has been serving its citizens since 1964

F r o m th e P u b l ish e r

P u b l ish e r With You In Mind Publications

C r e ati v e | D e sig n Caffeine Generated Graphics, LLC

Stacey Nichols o ffic e M a n ag e r Nikki Burkhalter

A ssista n t

This last weekend was my wife’s, Patti’s, birthday. It has

M a n ag e r June Dixon

been a family tradition to gather at the dinner table for a simple meal. During the meal everyone shares anything funny or

P h oto g r aph e r s Blanchard Photography

special that may have taken place in the last few months. Many

David Parks Photography

times someone will share a special meeting or encounter that

Smitt Photography

took place. In some instances it is referred to as a “God Thing”. We also have a tradition of telling the person who is

C ov e r P h oto Cupcakes made by The Sweet

celebrating their birthday one special character trait or a tribute

Spot Baking Co., taken by

that we appreciate about them. As each person at the table

Blanchard Photography

shared a special characteristic they had seen exemplified by Patti, a pattern began to develop. Some of the qualities that

S a l e s Amy Hall

were brought up were; her heart for others, her gift of making

Dorothy Sichelstiel

people feel special, being an encourager to others.

Kasi Wilkerson

When each child had shared their solution to a situation they

Mandi Rhodes

had encountered earlier in the meal it was very similar to the

Patti Martin

special characteristics that someone had pointed out about

Rebekah McLeod

Patti. C o n t r ib u ti n g

She is an example of do as you see me do! Happy Birthday! I love you! Proverbs 31

Jay and Patti Martin Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com

sumter county living

Wr ite rs

David Pena

Lisa Holloway

Rachel Price

Rebekah McLeod

Sumter County Living© is published semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications. www.withyouinmindpublications.com P.O. Box 55 • Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-3045 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

A Cut Above SALON

“We curate a space that feels at once energetically upbeat and like a calming oasis from the hectic pace of our lives.”

The Creative Stylis t Team For Men, Women, and Children

C U T, C O LOR & CO N VERS ATIO N S 110 GA HWY 27 E, AMERICUS, GA 31709 | (229) 924-8849

Visiting Sumter County

Americus, Georgia, Sumter County, is rich in history, talent, and beauty. There is a lot to offer their residents, not just the tourists.

Sumter county Living

By Rachel Price | Photos by Smitt Photography

Traveling is a gift. It offers reprieve, relaxation, discovery, and joy. While catching a plane is amazing and seeing new sights offer mental stimulation, so can exploring your city. As often happens with long-lasting relationships, things can become stale and monotonous.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Sumter county Living

T The alarm sounds. Some of us hit snooze and some of us hit the ground running. We prepare for our day, crank our vehicles, and drive to school or work or to run errands. We perform our 9-5, home to dinner, bath, and bed. When the weekend hits, we may clean or do yard work. We also might drive out-of-town for shopping or to meet friends. Come Monday, we are back to the usual. When vacation time comes, we are ready to hit the road or grab a plane and see the sights. But, have you ever considered walking, biking, or not packing the car to your vacation spot? No, I do not mean 200 miles away. I mean 5 or even 10 miles. Have you ever considered touring your city/county? We live in our community, but do we really know and experience our community? Americus, Georgia, Sumter County was created in December 1831. It has approximately 19,000 residents (give or take). It is rich in history, talent, and beauty. It boasts a historic district, an

Hometown Living At Its Best

We live in our community, but do we really know and experience our community? Americus, Georgia, Sumter County, was created in December 1831. It has approximately 19,000 residents (give or take). It is rich in history, talent, and beauty. It boasts a historic district, an excursion train, a theater, and is home to former President Jimmy Carter in nearby Plains.

Sumter county Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

Sumter county Living

excursion train, a theater, and is home to former President Jimmy Carter in nearby Plains. Americus and Sumter County have a lot to offer their residents, not just the tourists. Every once in a while it is nice to take the time to explore your own city. You never know, you may be surprised and fall in love. Here are a few ways to explore Sumter County:

Be a tourist for the day: Visit our top tourist attractions. Grab a ticket and hop on board the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. With its vintage passenger cars from the late 1940s, you can board in Cordele, Georgia or Lake Blackshear

Hometown Living At Its Best

Visit the unexpected and unique:

Sumter county Living

Did you know that Leslie, Georgia, is home to the largest collection of antique telephones in the world? The Georgia Rural Telephone Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, and is located inside a beautifully renovated 1920s building. While there, take a selfie from your smartphone to pay homage to those that invented our unique way of communicating and marvel at how far we have come innovatively.

and travel to Leslie, Americus and Plains. Walk the streets and view each downtown location through the eyes of a tourist. Prefer to take your car? Drive over to Plains and taste the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream in downtown. View the 13-foot-tall Smiling Peanut and snap a family picture, then visit the Plains Inn and ask for a peek at their decadesthemed rooms. Finally, see the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. After your delightful experience, head in the opposite direction to the prisoner-of-war camp inside the Andersonville National Historic Site. While you are there, be sure to visit the town of Andersonville, which is older than the Civil War itself. Check out Andersonville Antiques, Easterlin Country Store and Antiques, Nancy’s Treasure Chest, the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum, and explore the Wirz Monument and Pioneer Farm.

Delight your inner foodie: Dine inside the Windsor Hotel at Rosemary and Thyme, a modern American restaurant inside the beautiful historic hotel. Afterwards, grab a cocktail from Floyd’s Pub and sit outside on the covered balcony to watch the cars go by or the sun set over the historic buildings. While you are there, schedule a tour and listen to ghost stories. Saturday mornings, take a walk downtown and visit Cafe Campesino for drinks, breakfast, and a bag of coffee to go. Americus has many food options from traditional southern food, Mediterranean, Mexican, and more with talented chefs and local flair.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Head to local events: Spend an evening at The Rylander enjoying a show, head to Wolf Creek Plantation to stomp grapes or visit vendors, see locals play music in various locations, or visit our local Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and handmade items. Rain or shine, Americus and the surrounding cities have events monthly. Be sure to make the first Friday of the month a day to enjoy downtown shops until 8 pm while enjoying themed events.

Go on a photography tour: Grab your camera or smartphone and your walking shoes. Go out and see Sumter County through an artistic lens. Take a photo in front of the butterfly mural at Café Campesino, photograph cemeteries and old church buildings, or ride past fields and capture a sunrise. Seeing your city through a different angle can give you a different perspective and an appreciation for your hometown.

Sumter county Living

Visit the unexpected and unique: Did you know that Leslie, Georgia, is home to the largest collection of antique telephones in the world? The Georgia Rural Telephone Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, and is located inside a beautifully renovated 1920s building. While there, take a selfie from your smartphone to pay homage to those that invented our unique way of communicating and marvel at how far we have come innovatively. Another local gem south of downtown Americus is Koinonia Farms. This farm was created as a multiracial settlement long before the end of segregation in southern states. It was created for fellowship (the Greek word Koinonia) in 1942. Today they ship chocolate and pecans through their mail order business and make farming as a community their way of life. Sumter County has several unique history-rich places to explore in each direction. Traveling is a gift. It offers reprieve, relaxation, discovery, and joy. While catching a plane is amazing and seeing new sights offer mental stimulation, so can exploring your city. As often happens with long-lasting relationships, things can become stale and monotonous. That is why taking time to explore, ask questions, and viewing things from another perspective can reignite that spark. So if your budget is tight or your health doesn’t allow you to travel long distances, consider your city/ county. Discover why you fell in love with your community to begin with while supporting locals. (Special thanks to Steve Short at The Visitor Center and Qaijuan Willis)  SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

d decorating unlimited 229.924.6669 | 1211 Crawford St. (HWY 49N) Americus | M-F 9-5 | After Hours By Appointment

sumter county living

Hometown Living At Its Best

With over 50 years in the well drilling industry we have the experience, personnel and equipment needed to meet your needs. We specialize in residential, agricultural and irrigation wells.

sumter county living

1101 Williamsburg Road Albany, GA 31705

Hometown Living At Its Best

committed to

eye health

Whether conducting routine eye exams or diagnosing more serious health conditions, Dr. Chandler-Morgan is committed to providing a friendly, accommodating and efficient experience to every patient she encounters.

When you think of eye exams, you might think of picking out the next pair of glasses or having that annoying blast of air shot into your eyes that makes you jump out of the chair. What you don’t usually think about is some of the more serious things that can threaten your eyesight—the kinds of things Dr. Robin Chandler-Morgan encounters with patients like Hardy Gregory, retired Georgia State Supreme Court judge. Gregory was in his 80s when he came in as a new patient, complaining of some disturbance in his vision. As a former lawyer and judge, Gregory is an avid reader; when Dr. Chandler-Morgan examined him, she discovered a branch retinal vein occlusion, a serious condition requiring immediate treatment. “I had no idea I was suffering from a potentially

sumter county living

blinding condition,” says Gregory, “Not only did Dr. Chandler-Morgan immediately diagnose this condition, but she was also able to arrange treatment for it that same day with a retinal specialist in Albany. I am grateful to report that I continue to read for many hours every day because of Dr. Chandler-Morgan’s competence.” Many health problems can be seen in the eye first, such as signs of diabetes, elevated blood pressure and other vascular health issues. “All our blood vessels in the body work together,” explains Dr. Chandler-Morgan, so if there are systemic issues that are not under control, we see secondary problems like vein occlusions and strokes in the eye.”

Like many of her patients in Americus, Dr. ChandlerMorgan enjoys hunting with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs. In recent months, she has diagnosed several cases of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection, from eating undercooked deer meat. The parasites can travel into the retina of the eye and cause severe inflammation, requiring high doses of antibiotics and oral medications. Whether conducting routine eye exams or diagnosing more serious health conditions, Dr. Chandler-Morgan is committed to providing a friendly, accommodating and efficient experience to every patient she encounters. This summer, she is bringing in a new service for her

CHANDLER MORGAN

EYEWORKS

patients called Tempsure Envi—a non surgical skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to firm up loose skin around the eyes and face. The heat will also unclog glands around the eyes and be a great option to treat dry eye syndrome. “We wanted to do something fun for our patients,” says Dr. ChandlerMorgan, “and we are excited to bring this new offering to our practice.” When you think of eye exams, think of friendly service, clearer vision and younger skin to boot. Call ChandlerMorgan Eyeworks to make your appointment at 229-9249998 or go to https://visionsource-cmeyeworks.com/

208 East Lamar Street | Americus, GA 229.924.9998 | www.chandlermorganeyeworks.com Hometown Living At Its Best

Story By Rebekah McLeod | Photos By Blanchard Photography and Provided

Living Well After Leukemia:

Local Dentist Shares Her Story on Fighting Cancer and Coming out Clean

sumter county living

Healthcare workers don’t have the time or the luxury of being sick, especially during a worldwide pandemic. At least that’s what Dr. Alex Riccardi thought in the summer of 2020 when she began experiencing symptoms of exhaustion, shortness of breath and nosebleeds. Dr. Riccardi, 34, shares a general dentistry practice with her father, Dr. Louis Riccardi, in Americus, Georgia, and after a seven-week closure due to COVID, Alex began working overtime to

Hometown Living At Its Best

Alex was sent home on September 30th, 2020, and she credits her amazing medical team and the support of her family, friends and community in keeping her spirits up. “Leukemia’s color is orange…when I got out of the hospital, every single tree in downtown Americus had an orange ribbon around it…people had orange ribbons on their homes…my entire town turned orange. Nothing gave me more hope than knowing they were all praying for me.”

ensure the safety of her patients and her family. Alex was also a newlywed, having married in March of the same year. Her husband, Wes, was concerned about her symptoms, but Alex refused to see a doctor. “Who didn’t feel exhausted during that time?” asks Alex, reflecting on those first few months of COVID. “We were in the middle of a pandemic…I was working 8am8pm most days trying to keep my dad, who is in his 70s, out of the office. I experienced three nosebleeds in one month, but other dentists were also reporting nosebleeds from wearing the N-95 mask…I wasn’t going to overwhelm the healthcare system even more with my petty problems.” Alex’s symptoms became more severe in August, when a throbbing headache and bruises all over her body finally made her concede and call her nurse practitioner for a full panel of bloodwork. Alex was convinced she had an autoimmune disease or anemia, but the day after her results came in, the nurse called with sobering news: Alex’s platelets were at 17,000—the normal range is between 150,000-400,000, and anything under 20,000 means you can have a spontaneous bleed and die. The nurse told Alex she should come in immediately and she was sent straight to the ER. On the way, Alex prepared her new husband for the worst. “I told him,

sumter county living

‘Wes, I know too much about medicine, and you need to prepare yourself for the possibility that this could be cancer.’” Although Alex had chosen dentistry as her career path, she had considered going to medical school and pursuing oncology after both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer—her mother with breast cancer in 2009 and her father with bladder cancer in 2010. Both parents went through treatment and recovered, but the research Alex had done during that stressful season was fresh in her mind. At the Phoebe Sumter ER, two doctors looked at her

test results and admitted that her case was beyond what they could handle, so she was passed on to a young internist, Dr. Ryan Monti. Dr. Monti ran a differential panel, thinking she possibly had contracted a virus and a condition called ITP, which causes your immune system to destroy its own platelets. However, once he saw the results of the panel, his demeanor changed. “I’m pretty sure you have a rare form of leukemia called APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia),” he told Alex. “The thing is, if we treat you for it and you don’t have it, you’ll be okay, but if you have it and we don’t treat you, you’ll die.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Alex has returned to her busy dental practice and she enjoys sharing her story and being a positive voice for understanding potential hazards in our environment. To this end, Alex started a blog, A Positive Lifestyle: Life after Leukemia, where she encourages her readers to make healthy living a priority and to limit exposure to environmental contaminants. “Don’t get me wrong,” Alex says, “We will never eliminate all of the toxins we are exposed to, but decreasing our exposure to the things we can control can only make us healthier.”

The medical staff immediately started an IV and a plasma transfusion and transferred Alex to the oncology ward at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, where Dr. Jose Tongol would manage her case. Dr. Tongol explained to Alex that she didn’t have enough healthy blood to do a bone marrow biopsy, so they were sending blood they had already taken to UC Davis in Sacramento, California, to get an exact diagnosis. Alex had not processed the full weight of what was happening, because her first question for Dr. Tongol was: “Okay, I have patients I need to see tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning…when do I get to go home?” Dr. Tongol chuckled and asked, “Do you want to live? You’ll be in this hospital for 30-40 days…you need to accept that.” Alex spent a total of 30 days confined to the 7th floor hospital

sumter county living

room in Albany, undergoing 42 blood transfusions, IV steroids, antibiotics and two forms of chemotherapy. One divine providence, according to Alex, was that the doctor in Augusta, Georgia, who patented the treatment protocol for APL—Dr. Anand Jillella—happened to be a close friend of Dr. Tongol’s. Both doctors worked together to manage Alex’s treatment. Wes stayed by her side through the entire process, which Alex claims only served to strengthen their bond: “Not even six months into marriage and my husband was bathing me in a hospital…that’s a testament of love if I’ve ever heard one.” Alex was sent home on September 30th, 2020, and she credits her amazing medical team and the support of her family, friends and community in keeping her spirits up. “Leukemia’s color is orange…when I got out of the hospital, every single tree in downtown Americus had an orange ribbon around it…people had orange ribbons on their homes…my entire town turned orange. Nothing gave me more hope than knowing they were all praying for me.” Even after her release from the hospital, Alex still had a long treatment ahead. After 80 additional rounds of chemotherapy and eight long months of isolation at home, due to the danger of contracting COVID, Alex finally returned to work

to our pots and pans to our shampoo and sunscreen—it’s all toxin-free.” Alex has returned to her busy dental practice and she enjoys sharing her story and being a positive voice for understanding potential hazards in our environment. To this end, Alex started a blog, A Positive Lifestyle: Life after Leukemia, where she encourages her readers to make healthy living a priority and to limit exposure to environmental contaminants. “Don’t get me wrong,” Alex says, “We will never eliminate all of the toxins we are exposed to, but decreasing our exposure to the things we can control can only make us healthier.”  SCL in May of 2021. On February 23rd of 2022, she was officially one year in remission. Before the leukemia diagnosis, Alex was a healthy, young woman who ate whole foods and exercised daily, which made the illness all the more mysterious. She began working with a functional medicine doctor, who discovered Alex has the MTHFR gene variant—a mutation which causes toxins to build up in the blood. She also began researching the effects of toxins in our environment and the products we use at home. On the changes she and Wes have made since the cancer diagnosis, Alex says, “Everything in our house that we use on a daily basis—from the cleaners we use

Alex spent a total of 30 days confined to the 7th floor hospital room in Albany, undergoing 42 blood transfusions, IV steroids, antibiotics and two forms of chemotherapy. One divine providence, according to Alex, was that the doctor in Augusta, Georgia, who patented the treatment protocol for APL—Dr. Anand Jillella—happened to be a close friend of Dr. Tongol’s. Both doctors worked together to manage Alex’s treatment.

Hometown Living At Its Best

the 1974 ASN Class at Georgia Southwestern College, Daniel is front row, sixth from the left

excellence thru the

decades

Dr. Sandra Daniel’s dedication has resulted in Georgia Southwestern State University being named the #1 nursing school in Georgia.

The positive impact of skilled, compassionate nurses cannot be understated, nor can the impact of nurse educators such as Dr. Sandra Daniel, whose dedicated efforts spanning over three decades at Georgia Southwestern State University have resulted in it being named the #1 nursing school in Georgia by nurse.org. Daniel grew up in Andersonville, Georgia, just twelve miles from Americus. “My parents wanted their children to receive a college education and they worked very hard to make that happen. With their encouragement and support along the way, my two brothers and I graduated from GSW,” says Daniel. “I had no idea what I wanted to study. I was torn between education and nursing, and it wasn’t until registering for classes that I decided on nursing. I would have never anticipated that I would later become an educator for 35 years!” In 1974, Daniel achieved her first of many career milestones by graduating from Georgia Southwestern College at the time with an ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing). In 1976, she received her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), and in the same year married Arthur (best known by his nickname Skeeter), also an alumnus of GSW. Daniel would later receive her MSN and PhD from other institutions while also raising two sons—Davis and Logan,

estern he left

now a Navy physician and a Certified Financial Planner, respectively. In 2008, Dr. Daniel began her tenure as Dean of GSW’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Under her leadership, GSW’s nursing program has doubled its enrollment, attracting the best and brightest high school seniors through their Guaranteed Acceptance Program (GAP), a competitive early enrollment process for students interested in nursing. Another noteworthy accomplishment of Daniel’s is reviving the ASN program, which was phased out over 30 years ago, but will be offered to students once again beginning Fall 2022. The two-year nursing degree allows nurses to enter the workforce sooner as an RN (registered nurse) helping to address the nursing shortage in Georgia.

“It’s designed very much like an acute care hospital facility,” explains Daniel, “and Phoebe has continued their partnership by providing funding for us to have the latest high-tech simulators. They provide externships for our students as well…we think it’s a win-win, with the ultimate goal of meeting our workforce demands in Georgia.” Magnolia Manor, a nonprofit which has multiple senior living facilities in South Georgia, has also partnered with GSW by providing funding to support the new ASN program and now has a space, Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, recognizing their contributions. With the need for qualified nurses on the rise, GSW is leading the way in providing multiple options for first or second-career nurses to receive the finest training in cutting-edge facilities. “I have 25 outstanding faculty and staff who make my job fun,” says Daniel, “and what I am most proud of is the ability to provide our students with an excellent education that prepares them for highly successful careers in nursing.” For more information about GSW’s nursing program, visit gsw.edu/nursing or call 229-931-2275.

“One of the things I’m proud of is how we have been able to grow our program and offer multiple levels of career advancement opportunities through different educational pathways,” says Daniel. In addition to the ASN, GSW also offers several routes to the BSN as well as graduate degree programs. Students who pursue nursing at GSW have access to state-ofthe-art facilities at the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex which, due to key partnerships with Phoebe Putney Health System, houses cutting-edge simulation equipment.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Story By David Pena | Photos By Blanchard Photography

Hitting that Sweet Spot As the orders for Emily Simpson’s culinary creations increased, The Sweet Spot was born.

Just about every Wednesday evening you’ll find Emily Simpson in her bakery on Elm Avenue, dutifully preparing a fresh batch of delicious cakes for the next business day. Her baking sessions can literally last all night, but she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I don’t usually sleep on Wednesdays,” she says with a laugh. “Sometimes I actually get home around 5:30 in the morning, take a shower and go to my other job. It can be rough, but my body has become attuned to it.” Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Emily recalls that her childhood was a happy one, albeit far removed from the posh surroundings of the city’s resorts and beaches. Often referred to as “The Second City” or “MoBay”, Montego Bay is an extremely popular tourist destination that offers tons of great shopping, a cruise line terminal, and several gorgeous beaches and resorts. However, despite the luxurious lifestyle that MoBay affords, Emily recalls, “We were very poor, but we didn’t know it at the time. My family lived miles outside of town, so we usually ate things that were grown, like yams and fruit. However, we never went hungry.” In 1987 Emily left the beaches of Jamaica behind and moved to the states to live with her aunt in Tuskegee, Alabama. “It was a little disconcerting at first because I was treated as an outsider, for the most

Sumter county Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

Sumter county Living

part,” she says. However, Emily quickly acclimated herself to her new home in the states. Emily’s parents were teachers, and her mom routinely baked wedding cakes for friends. “I would try to help her out a bit in the kitchen, but as I got older, I started baking for special occasions for my friends. If there was an occasion, I’d be in the kitchen preparing something for it,” explains Emily. It was in 1995 when she and her family moved to Americus, where Emily would soon meet her husband, Kris. “She was going to school here while working two jobs. We met at a store in town and just clicked,” he recalls. After becoming close with Kris’s mother, Emily says she really began taking her culinary skills seriously after receiving a gift from her. “I really started to bake a lot more after my mother-in-law gave me her old mixer.” Emily would often take her fresh baked goods to work, providing they weren’t already eaten at home. “My coworkers raved about my desserts, and before long they actually began placing orders, telling

Since she’s relatively new in town, it affords Emily the change to flex her creative muscle. “Each day my menu can change, and I can bake whatever I want. I then upload them on social media, which is great. In the future, I’d like to include a brunch in the fall, so that’s my next project.” For now, however, Emily is content to go on creating desserts that are “fresh, flavorful and definitely worth the calories.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

me that I needed to open my own bakery. So I decided that I would do just that. Since I’ve been with Burger King for 25 years, I guess I’ve always been pretty business savvy.” With her Jamaican roots, Emily learned that she’d probably have to make some adjustments to her recipes in order to appeal to the local taste buds. “Most people here either eat chocolate or pound cake. However, Jamaica’s traditional cake is a black fruit cake, which contains raisins, prunes, and other mixed fruit soaked with alcohol. And, since it’s an island, Jamaica includes a good bit of coconut in its dessert dishes.” As the orders for Emily’s culinary creations increased, it quickly became apparent that she needed

Sumter county Living

her own space to keep up with the demand. “I told my husband Kris that I was outgrowing our kitchen and that I really needed my own place. It was getting harder to keep up with the orders.” Two weeks later, Kris told his wife that he had found just the spot, the “sweet spot”, as it were. “I was trying to find her a decent location, but instead found the worst building in town,” he says with a laugh. The former police station/church was in complete disrepair. “No one else wanted it because it was a disaster, but I saw the potential in it. Once it was cleaned up, sure enough, everyone seemed to want it then.” Kris and a couple of contractors had to completely renovate the building before Emily could take over.

Additionally, the timing proved to be quite problematic. “Due to the pandemic, it took about a year,” he says. “Everything had been shut down so it was hard to get supplies, even an oven.” However, he was determined to get the project done because he had faith in Emily. “I knew that once she had her own space, it would be just a matter of time before it was a success.” Ironically, the year-long wait proved to be an advantage, as it helped to pique the public’s interest in Emily’s bakery. “Kris would tell me that folks would ask him daily about this latest project, and he would tell them about the bakery. I think it really helped to market it,” she says. Finally, on December 31, 2021, The Sweet Spot Baking Company officially opened its doors to the public. “I was only open for four hours on a trial basis, but the turnout was amazing, I offered 15 varieties of cupcakes alone, so the folks around here weren’t used to that.” As a one-woman enterprise, Emily’s bakery was open only on the weekends at first. However, when she took on extra employees, Emily was then able to open four days a week. “From the start, I’ve been scrambling to keep up with the demand. That’s why we’re now open from Thursday to Sunday. I still bake everything myself, but with a staffer to help decorate, along with a cashier, it’s been a lot easier,” she says with a smile. From the start, The Sweet Spot proved to be an extremely successful venture. Serving a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes and cookies, it seemed to “hit the spot” with folks. Diane Fletcher, who has known Kris’s family for years, says, “We own a printing business and have done work for both Kris and Emily. I honestly had not tasted her desserts until she had the open house for the Chamber of

Hometown Living At Its Best

Commerce, and I was instantly a fan of hers! We’ve been buying birthday cakes and cupcakes ever since. In fact, my husband is on a keto diet, and my granddaughter is on a gluten free diet, and Emily has often baked for both of them.” Emily’s success comes as no surprise to Kris, who is her biggest supporter. “I’m very proud of what she’s accomplished, and I’m glad that I could help her get started,” says Kris, who says Emily’s turtle cheesecake is his favorite. It didn’t take long for Diane Fletcher to become a believer as well. “She really 42

Sumter county Living

From the start, The Sweet Spot proved to be an extremely successful venture. Serving a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes and cookies, it seemed to “hit the spot” with folks. Diane Fletcher, who has known Kris’s family for years, says, “We own a printing business and have done work for both Kris and Emily. I honestly had not tasted her desserts until she had the open house for the Chamber of Commerce, and I was instantly a fan of hers! We’ve been buying birthday cakes and cupcakes ever since. In fact, my husband is on a keto diet, and my granddaughter is on a gluten free diet, and Emily has often baked for both of them.”

understands the tastes and textures of food, and Emily’s presentation really sets her apart,” explains Diane. “Her cakes really have a unique flair and are definitely not run of the mill. I also can’t say enough about the curb appeal of The Sweet Spot, and Emily goes the extra mile to accommodate all her customers.” Since she’s relatively new in town, it affords Emily the change to flex her creative muscle. “Each day my menu can change, and I can bake whatever I want. I then upload them on social media, which is great. In the future, I’d like to include a brunch in the fall, so that’s my next project.” For now, however, Emily is content to go on creating desserts that are “fresh, flavorful and definitely worth the calories.”  SCL

As a one-woman enterprise, Emily’s bakery was open only on the weekends at first. However, when she took on extra employees, Emily was then able to open four days a week. “From the start, I’ve been scrambling to keep up with the demand. That’s why we’re now open from Thursday to Sunday. I still bake everything myself, but with a staffer to help decorate, along with a cashier, it’s been a lot easier,” she says with a smile.

Hometown Living At Its Best

serving Sumter county for 100 years.

Homegrown Grown World Renown

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce | 409 Elm Avenue Americus, GA 31709 229.924.2646 | www.sumtercountychamber.com

Providing opportunities and support for the growth and prosperity of local & regional business and industry. Sumter County Chamber of Commerce

Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall

Experience the Magic

SHOP • CELEBRATE

•

STAY

Below the Inn, enjoy shopping for antiques in the mall featuring display cases and over 25 booths! HOME DECOR • GIFT ITEMS • COLLECTIBLES • ANTIQUES 1 0 6 M A I N S T R E E T P L A I N S G A | 2 2 9 . 8 2 4 . 4 5 1 7 | W W W. P L A I N S I N N . N E T

It’s

Muscadine Time!

By David Pena | Photos by David Parks Photography

Matt Johnson and Jerry English were looking for an investment property to put some capital into; together they have created an impressive vineyard at Wolf Creek Plantation

Sumter county Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

Sumter county Living

Over the past six years, Wolf Creek Plantation has proven itself to be a pleasant surprise for both Jerry and Matt. Initially, they envisioned just possibly selling some of their wines to local farmers’ markets, never realizing where their vision would take them. “We’ve been really blessed to be the first and only winery in Sumter County,” says Matt with a smile. “We’ve also been really blessed to be able to provide around 20 jobs for our family while producing wine and other products that we can proudly stand behind. It’s been a great ride so far.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Each spring you can hear the familiar sounds of birds chirping as fresh new growth begins to sprout forth. The days are longer, flowers are beginning to bloom, and animals are starting their natural cycle of awakening. Just about everything from the sky to the soil is renewed, and it’s a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It also just happens to be winemaker Matt Johnson’s favorite time of year. Each spring he quietly strolls through his impressive vineyard at Wolf Creek Plantation while meticulously surveying the thousands of vines on the property. He studies them for any new growth of leaves, as well as the all-important presence of some flower-like growths and pollen on the vines that signal the arrival of new muscadine grapes. Along with his cousin, Jerry English, Matt has owned Wolf Creek Plantation since 2013. Both men have owned their own land surveying business for years. They were looking for an investment property to put some capital into; however, they really didn’t know anything about farming or the wine business when they started. It was around 2013 when they had the idea to turn an abandoned golf course

Sumter county Living

into a successful vineyard. Both men have very fond memories of hunting and fishing on the property when it was owned by Matt’s grandfather, Howard Johnson. Along with countless rows of peanuts, soybeans and cotton, there were also around 100 acres of lakes and ponds carved out of Wolf Creek. In fact, Matt’s uncle helped construct the golf course, which eventually fell on hard times during the recession. “Once we acquired the property, we wanted to do something that could generate enough income to pay for it without having to quit our day jobs,” continues Matt, who has a background in chemistry and mathematics. “Out of all the crops we looked at, the muscadine grape looked the most promising because of its heartiness.

In addition to the new tasting room, there is currently an event center, complete with a chapel and sleeping quarters, under construction on the grounds of the winery.

Hometown Living At Its Best

It doesn’t require a lot of pesticides to grow, and it’s tolerant to droughts as well. Neither Jerry nor I had ever farmed anything before, but over the past few years we’ve discovered the joy of farming while making products we’re proud of. We never dreamed it would become what it is today.” “My great-grandfather used to own this land,” explains Matt’s daughter, Hannah, Wolf Creek’s winery manager. “When the golf course went under, the property went up for auction in 2013, so we purchased it.” Hannah, who has worked at Wolf Creek since its opening, explains that Matt and Jerry were a bit perplexed about what to do with the land at first. “They didn’t know if they wanted to plant pine trees or produce olives. They finally decided on muscadine

Sumter county Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

Wolf Creek Plantation has undergone some other major changes in the last few years. For example, it now offers wine lovers another location to taste its delicious wines with the addition of an offsite tasting room located inside the historic Windsor Hotel downtown. This newest tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am until 6 pm. “It has become very popular with our locals, and we’re happy to have a partnership with the hotel,” explains Hannah, “but folks from out-of-town still come out to the vineyards and enjoy our original tasting room with a back porch overlooking our vineyard.”

grapes, which are native to the Southeast, so it thrives in this kind of environment.” Ironically, Matt was a preacher, so it seemed like a strange option, but the pair decided to give it a shot in 2013 and planted their very first vines. They quickly decided to make their winery a “farm to glass” business, in order to include retail and wholesale. “We found out that there wasn’t a vineyard within 90 miles of us, so we decided to go that route,” explains Matt. The winery is definitely a family affair, with Hannah running the business and retail operations while Matt’s nephew, Thomas Young, serves as the vineyard manager. “We routinely have around 15 employees on site, most of whom are family,” says Matt. “Jerry’s daughters also work for us, and both my sons do as well from time to time. Then

Sumter county Living

we take on even more employees during our harvest season.” Wolf Creek offers wine tastings, wine by the glass, wine slushies, and a multitude of wine accessories. The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 11 am until 5 pm and Saturday from 11 until 6 pm. Patrons can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere inside, or head out to the porch, which is equipped with rocking chairs, to view the beautiful vineyards. “We love talking about our wines and vineyards,” says Hannah enthusiastically. “We are also pretty well-known for our wine slushies, which are hugely popular right now.” One of Wolf Creek’s most popular wines is the Number 9 Red, which takes its namesake from the former golf course’s ninth fairway, where the noble muscadine grape is grown to make it. “It was given the distinction of being the best muscadine wine in Georgia in 2018,” beams Hannah. The label for the Mapmaker Red wine includes art that includes an early map of Georgia, a little nod to Jerry and Matt’s land surveying business. Along with their wines, Wolf Creek’s tasting rooms also feature local delicacies such as chocolate covered pecans, cheese straws, as well as beef sticks made from cattle native to Georgia. “We really try to source things locally as much as we can,” adds Matt. “Everything we grow on the property we turn into a product, which is then sold.” As the business grew and demand for the muscadine wines began to exponentially accelerate, Wolf Creek had to basically double the size of its vineyards in late 2018 and now boasts about 4000 vines on more than 40 acres. In addition, the vineyard also expanded its selection by adding the Dixie Red variety, which makes it the 10th variety of muscadine

grape offered to the public. The winery also expanded its size, adding an additional 750 square feet to allow for more red grape fermentation as well as tank storage. Wolf Creek Plantation has undergone some other major changes in the last few years. For example, it now offers wine lovers another location to taste its delicious wines with the addition of an offsite tasting room located inside the historic Windsor Hotel downtown. This newest tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am until 6 pm. “It has become very popular with our locals, and we’re happy to have a partnership with the

hotel,” explains Hannah, “but folks from outof-town still come out to the vineyards and enjoy our original tasting room with a back porch overlooking our vineyard.” In addition to the new tasting room, there is currently an event center, complete with a chapel and sleeping quarters, under construction on the grounds of the winery. Expected to be up and running by the end of the summer, Matt says the 6000-square-foot structure is just another step forward in the progression of the family business. “It’s built right in the middle of a new vineyard, and we basically designed it for weddings, receptions

Hometown Living At Its Best

One of Wolf Creek’s most popular wines is the Number 9 Red, which takes its namesake from the former golf course’s ninth fairway, where the noble muscadine grape is grown to make it. “It was given the distinction of being the best muscadine wine in Georgia in 2018,” beams Hannah. The label for the Mapmaker Red wine includes art that includes an early map of Georgia, a little nod to Jerry and Matt’s land surveying business.

Sumter county Living

and meetings. There’s a covered outdoor chapel, a honeymoon suite upstairs and two other suites as well. We can seat about 250 people in it; we’re really excited about this project.” Over the past six years, Wolf Creek Plantation has proven itself to be a pleasant surprise for both Jerry and Matt. Initially, they envisioned just possibly selling some of their wines to local farmers’ markets, never realizing where their vision would take them. “We’ve been really blessed to be the first and only winery in Sumter County,” says Matt with a smile. “We’ve also been really blessed to be able to provide around 20 jobs for our family while producing wine and other products that we can proudly stand behind. It’s been a great ride so far.”  SCL

Home of the 39th President of the United States of America and Nobel Peace Prize Winner,

Jimmy Carter

shop. stay. play.

Plains, Peanuts, & A President! 100 Main Street • Plains, GA • 31780 • 229.824.5373

plainsgeorgia.com

sumter county living

ADAMS EXTERMINATORS Since 1971

WE DO IT

RIGHT THE FIRST TIME WE GUARANTEE IT!

PROUDLY SERVING: ALBANY, AMERICUS, BAINBRIDGE, BLAKELY, CAMILLA, CORDELE, DAWSON, FT. GAINES, LEESBURG, MOULTRIE, PELHAM, SYLVESTER, THOMASVILLE, TIFTON AND VALDOSTA

Termite, Pest, & Moisture Control Specialists www.adams-exterminators.com | 229.435.6257

If your doctor says

you need physical therapy...

ask your doctor to refer you to Accelerated. • Orthopedic Disorders • Sports Injuries • Post Operative Surgeries • Neck and Back Disorders • Workmen’s Compensation

• • • • •

Motor Vehicle Accidents Neurological Injuries Geriatric Rehabilitation Gait and Balance Disorders Pelvic Floor Therapy

229.924.9595 | 205 East Lamar Street | Americus | www.acceleratedpti.com

BY DAV I D P E N A | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

Steve Miller, owner of Little Brother’s Bistro and Toboggan Steve’s, has built his business from the ground up and made it successful and really gratifying.

sumter county living

It’s a fact that during one’s lifetime, the average person spends about 90,000 hours at work. Sadly, however, about 50% of us aren’t too happy with our chosen vocations. While a lucky few instinctively seem to know their life’s calling from an early age, the rest of us have to do some soul searching before finding our niche. This was never truer than in the case of Steve Miller, owner of

T wo R ec i p es

for Success Hometown Living At Its Best

The owner of the Windsor Hotel, Shirad Patel, had seen the success of Little Brother’s Bistro and invited Steve to relocate at the site of a restaurant in his hotel. “I bought the equipment and basically took over the lease,” recalls Steve. “Now our kitchen is twice the size of our old one, and we have about 14 tables with anywhere from 5 to 12 employees at any given time.”

sumter county living

Little Brother’s Bistro and Toboggan Steve’s, two highly successful restaurants in Americus. Ironically, Steve says that he never really intended to have a career in the restaurant business when he started at the ripe age of 34. “I had done some serving and bartending while I was in college, but never thought I’d end up owning my own restaurant, much less two of them,” he says with a laugh. “I was

Hometown Living At Its Best

sumter county living

kind of all over the place when I was younger.” Born in LaGrange, Steve was raised in Sumter County and, aside from a few years living up north, spent his youth in Americus. The youngest of five children and a self-proclaimed “black sheep,” Steve says owning a restaurant was the furthest from his mind when he began a career in the trucking industry. “It was a job I really enjoyed, but I wanted to work a little closer to home.” Thus, in 2008 Steve landed a job that kept him close to home, but soon lost it when the economy tanked. Luckily for

Hometown Living At Its Best

him, though, a friend had reopened the Maze, a commercial building which gives Americus shoppers an eclectic mix of upscale vendors and restaurants to choose from. “There was a little café in the back of the Maze, and my friend was looking for someone to take over the spot to make sandwiches and coffees.” Steve says he accepted his friend’s offer but really wasn’t looking to make a career out of it...at least just yet. “I was basically going to operate the café until I found something else, maybe in the truck driving industry. Around 90% of restaurants fail within the first five years, but I didn’t really have a choice because of the job market then.” What Steve didn’t know at the time was that his time as a trucker would actually help lay the groundwork for his future in the restaurant business. “When I was driving, I would eat at truck stops, but I knew it wasn’t healthy,” he says. “I just started keeping a little refrigerator in my truck so that I could make some sandwiches. Then when I started training new drivers, I’d make sandwiches for them. They seemed to really love it, and it all just started from there.” Interestingly, Steve’s oldest brother, David, says he tried to get Steve to come

Little Brother’s Bistro became such a big hit that

into business with him before learning that

Steve had to relocate after a couple of years.

his sibling had some serious culinary skills.

He had to seek some business advice from his

“I didn’t know he could even make a grilled

brother. “I gave him some guidance as far as

cheese sandwich,” laughs David, “but he’s a

overhead,” says David. “He was outgrowing

real character. He knows everyone, and he’s smart, so he decided to go his own way.” Thus, in January of 2009, what would later become Little Brother’s Bistro had a pretty inconspicuous start: there were just 70

sumter county living

the Maze and needed to move. Steve definitely took something there that wasn’t much and made it into something great.”

three tables and nine chairs in the place, and Steve

Steve eventually named his bistro ‘Little

found himself having to literally wear every hat.

Brother’s’ since he’s the youngest of five, and

“I had to borrow the chairs and tables from the

the public knew a good thing when they tasted

Maze,” he laughs. “My ingredient bin consisted of

it. Soon he and his small crew had to add an

a big Tupperware with a bunch of little containers

additional seven tables to keep up with the

in it; at first it was just me doing all the prep work,

growing demand for his food. “Being in the

cooking and serving.” Thankfully, it soon proved

Maze was great, but I wasn’t really visible at

to be a bit too much for one person, so Steve had to

the original location. I knew I had to make my

take on help soon after opening. “A lot of the folks I

food really special in order to stand out, and it

employed were just like me – either in between jobs

just seemed to get a great response right from

or had lost a job due to the economy.”

the start.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

sumter county living Hometown Living At Its Best

From berry pecan wraps and the Raider Club to exotic Paninis and muffins, Little Brother’s Bistro seemed to hit a nerve with Americus residents. “I was

From berry pecan wraps and the Raider Club

just making food that folks around here hadn’t really

to exotic Paninis and muffins, Little Brother’s

had, at least at that time. The food really needed to

Bistro seemed to hit a nerve with Americus

stand out in order for it to succeed.”

residents. “I was just making food that folks

Before he even opened the Bistro, Steve thinks back to a Florida vacation that would later influence his menu. “My girlfriend and I went to a cool little bistro down there, and I had a really good flatbread pizza.

around here hadn’t really had, at least at that time. The food really needed to stand out in order for it to succeed.”

When I asked how they made it, the owners said it was a ‘secret recipe.’ I joked to Katie that it wasn’t like I

Hometown Living At Its Best

was going to start my own restaurant.” But that’s exactly what happened, and he remembered that particular pizza when formulating his menu. “I recreated it as best I could, and it actually became one of our signature items called the Little Brother.” Little Brother’s Bistro became such a big hit that Steve had to relocate after a couple of years. He had to seek some business advice from his brother. “I gave him some guidance as far as overhead,” says David. “He was outgrowing the Maze and needed to move. Steve definitely took something there that wasn’t much and made it into something great.” The owner of the Windsor Hotel, Shirad Patel, had seen the success of Little Brother’s Bistro and invited Steve to relocate at the site of a restaurant in his hotel. “I bought the equipment and basically took over the lease,” recalls Steve. “Now our kitchen is twice the size of our old one, and we have about 14 tables with anywhere from 5 to 12 employees at any given time.” In 2018, Steve decided to expand his brand further, opening Toboggan Steve’s on West Lamar Street in order to feature live music and a more relaxed atmosphere. Formerly a sports bar, Steve came to know the owners pretty well. “They were tired of the grind, so I bought the location from them in 2018 and changed the name in 2019. It has kind of an upscale dive bar feel to it,” he laughs. “Where the bistro is a lunch eatery, we have wings and burgers at Toboggan Steve’s. Plus, it has a stage, so it gave me an opportunity to bring live music back to Americus. In fact, in 2019 we featured nothing but original music with our Songwriters Series.” Thirteen years after he began, Steve says that his success has truly been a real blessing, albeit an unexpected one. “I’ve been very fortunate to have some great employees working for me, but to build something from the ground up and make it successful is really gratifying. Plus, I’ve always just loved pleasing people and putting a smile on their face.” SCL 74

sumter county living

LAN

Frontage on South Mock Rd & North Brierwood Drive

Property Location: 450 South Mock Rd, Albany, GA (Dougherty Co.) Zoned for Commercial, Industrial, & High Density Multi-Family Developments Central Water, Central Sewer, Electric, & Cable/Internet utilities are all available

LOT 02 3.97 Acres LOT 03 3.83 Acres

LOT 01 44.27 Acres

LOT 04 2.53 Acres LOT 05 2.91 Acres LOT 06 27.45 Acres

Auction Day Site GPS Directions Merry Acres Event Center, 1400 Dawson Road, Albany, GA 31707

See auction staff located on property between Parcels 3 & 4. Or other times by mutually convenient appointments. On Auction Day the staff will be located at Merry Acres Auction Location; Available to answer questions 2-5 PM. Sale starts at 5:30 PM. Property is north of the Marine Corps Logistics Base

The_____________________ Auction Way Company Gerald A. Bowie, Auctioneer/Broker GA AUC LIC #177 | Cell 706-302-0302.

For Details & Visuals Visit Our Website

Gerald Bowie Morgan Marlowe Penny Bowie Mark Bowie

706-302-0302 706-315-8260 770-328-1480 706-302-6302

800-482-0775 theauctionway.com 800-482-0775 theauctionway.com

“Your Comfort Is Our Business”

Established 1949

229.924.3693 AMERICUS 229.273.7829 CORDELE @ParkersAir.com

where community ties are forged 78

Sumter county Living

BY REBEKAH MCLEOD | PHOTOS BY DAVID PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY

Kay Snipes, owner of Topiaries Home and Garden, has created a lush shopping experience in downtown Americus.

A family-owned business is so much more than just a place to turn a profit. It is a place where community ties are forged, where grandchildren are taught how to work hard and serve others. It’s a place where beauty and creativity is expressed and encouraged. No one knows this better than Kay Snipes, owner of Topiaries Home & Garden in downtown Americus, Georgia. “We go for the total experience,” says Kay, when asked about the environment she, along with husband, Bob, and

Hometown Living At Its Best

daughter, Rebecca, have created at Topiaries. “You’re coming into a place that has music, fountains, and beautiful plants…a shopping experience should be a fun experience.” Kay, 69, is a master gardener and serial entrepreneur who has owned several successful businesses together with Bob over their 50 years of marriage. “We have always worked together,” says Kay. “He’s very people-oriented…I’m the behind-thescenes visionary. We had a 3000 square foot pharmacy in Richland, Georgia, before there were Dollar Stores, before there was a Walmart…we’ve done a lot.” In

Sumter county Living

addition to co-running the pharmacy for 25 years, Kay has owned tea rooms, done floral design, catering and homeschooled their three children before homeschooling was widely accepted. Although Kay’s background was in education, her creative spark can be traced back to the influence of her grandmother, a self-taught gardener and landscape designer. One of Kay’s specialties is African violets, which have been a huge hit, because they seem to trigger a nostalgic memory for many of her customers. “I see many customers drawn to the African violets because

In addition to teaching, encouraging and influencing future generations, the purpose the Snipes hold dearest is their mission to pray for their community. Bob and Kay are prayer ambassadors for 17 counties under Pray Georgia, and the business at Topiaries is a way to engage their community with hope and healing.

Hometown Living At Its Best

“One of my goals is to help people know they can do this,” says Kay. “People come in and they say, ‘Oh, you must have a green thumb, I have a black thumb and I say, ‘No, no, you do have a green thumb because when God made man, He put him in a garden, and He said, ‘I want you to take care of it.’ God doesn’t ask us to do something He hasn’t given us the ability to do. So everybody, in their DNA, has a green thumb.”

Another mission of Topiaries for Kay and Bob is to train their grandchildren to work hard. While Kay is buying, Rebecca is arranging merchandise, and Bob is making deliveries and building Charleston bed swings, the grandkids are taking out trash and making sure the store is run smoothly.

Sumter county Living

they remember their grandmothers having them; it only takes one generation to lose something…it’s kind of a rebirth I see happening.” What prompted Kay to try her hand at another store in early 2021 was the nudging of her daughter, Rebecca Jones, 40, a nurse struggling with burnout and needing a creative outlet. Kay had been caring for her grandchildren and running a booth at The Maze for seven years when owner Chuck Smith mentioned that Kay should open a garden store

Hometown Living At Its Best

celebrating tradition

Sumter county Living

The store has thrived in its first year of operation, with many customers commenting that they would love to bring a book and stay a while. In addition to specialty plants, Topiaries also has a significant inventory of antique furniture, particularly in the Grandmillenial style, a resurgence of traditional woods with new color design.

Although Kay’s background was in education, her creative spark can be traced back to the influence of her grandmother, a self-taught gardener and landscape designer. One of Kay’s specialties is African violets, which have been a huge hit, because they seem to trigger a nostalgic memory for many of her customers.

downstairs, in an area that had been unused for decades in the mammoth, turn-of-the-century hardware store. During the initial planning phase for Topiaries, Rebecca was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, which put plans on hold while she underwent surgery at Emory University Hospital. “She had to go alone to have brain surgery because of COVID,” recalls Kay. Thankfully, the tumor was benign and after Rebecca recovered from surgery, the store was opened in April 2021, with Kay as buyer and Rebecca as merchandiser and social media director. The store has thrived in its first year of operation, with many customers commenting that they would love to bring a book and stay a while. In addition to specialty plants, Topiaries also has a significant inventory of antique furniture, particularly in the Grandmillenial style, a resurgence of traditional woods with new color design. In January of this year, Kay began teaching classes including working with succulents and how to make your own terrarium, which are taught right in the middle of the store, creating interest among nearby shoppers. “One of my goals is to help people know they can do this,” says Kay. “People come in and they say, ‘Oh, you must have a green thumb, I have a black thumb and I say, ‘No, no, you do have a green thumb because when God made man, He put him in a garden, and He said, ‘I want you to take care of it.’ God doesn’t ask us to do something He hasn’t given us the ability to do. So everybody, in their DNA, has a green thumb.” Another mission of Topiaries for Kay and Bob is to train their grandchildren to work hard. While Kay is buying, Rebecca is arranging merchandise, and Bob Hometown Living At Its Best

is making deliveries and building Charleston bed swings, the grandkids are taking out trash and making sure the store is run smoothly. “Learning how to work makes you a really good customer…and also, you can’t be on your phone at work because that’s stealing from your employer.” As business has increased, Mona Nelson has been a welcome addition to the Topiaries staff, allowing the Snipes to take time off and tend to their greenhouse at home. In addition to teaching, encouraging and influencing future generations, the purpose the Snipes hold dearest is their mission to pray for their community. Bob and Kay are prayer

Sumter county Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

Kay, 69, is a master gardener and serial entrepreneur who has owned several successful businesses together with Bob over their 50 years of marriage. “We have always worked together,” says Kay. “He’s very peopleoriented…I’m the behind-the-scenes visionary. We had a 3000 square foot pharmacy in Richland, Georgia, before there were Dollar Stores, before there was a Walmart…we’ve done a lot.”

Sumter county Living

ambassadors for 17 counties under Pray Georgia, and the business at Topiaries is a way to engage their community with hope and healing. “We want to create a respite for our customers,” says Kay. “My mission in life is to help you find your inner green thumb, your inner creativity and to express that.” For more information on Topiaries Home & Garden, visit them on Facebook (Topiaries@topiariesofamericus) and Instagram (topiaries_of_americus).  SCL

An In Your

Investment

Child’s Future

Southland Academy Building a Strong Mind, Body, and Spirit

1 2 3 S o u t h l a n d A c a d e m y R d , A m e r i c u s , G A , 3 1 7 0 9 | ( 2 2 9 ) 9 2 4 - 4 4 0 6 | s o u t h l a n d a c a d e m y. o r g

E X P L O R I N G

T H E

P A S T

City Of

Andersonville

1 1 4

C H U R C H

S T.

A N D E R S O N V I L L E ,

G A

3 1 7 1 1

2 2 9 - 9 2 4 - 2 0 6 8

214 WEST LAMAR STREET | AMERICUS, GEORGIA 31709 | (229) 924-9798

sumter county living

Welcome to CUSTOM PERFORMANCE AUTO SALES “Your One Stop Shop for all your Automotive Needs!”

Welcome to Custom Performance Automotive. We are “Your One Stop Shop” for all your automotive needs. We have 3 locations on Hwy 19, Americus, Ga. Locations include, Auto Sales-907 B, Repair-911, and Custom Collision Center at 907 MLK Jr. Blvd., Americus, Ga 31719. We understand that finding the perfect combination of quality and affordability is difficult. So, we have made it our goal to provide Americus and our surrounding communities the best buying experience possible. Take a look through our website to see what fits your needs best. Good credit, Bad credit, No credit, Repos, Current Bankruptcy Clients, and First Time Buyers are WELCOME. We have financing available to fit ALL credit needs. If we don’t have what you want, we can get it., at the best price! If you have questions, please contact us using our Contact Us Form , give us a call at 229-931-9838 or email us at customperformanceauto@yahoo.com Check out our FB page too!

Why pay RETAIL at our competitors. Come See Us First!! Stay Safe, Healthy, and Happy! God Bless You From Custom Performance Automotive and Thank you for your continued support.

907 B MLK Jr. Blvd. | Americus, Ga 31719 | customperformanceauto.com | 229-931-9838

Educator

The Legacy of an BY LISA HOLLOWAY PHOTOS BY SMITT PHOTOGRAPHY

Dr. Larry Collins, Headmaster of Southland Academy, is using the field of education to change the world, especially in Sumter County.

Sumter county Living

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As I sat down with Dr. Larry Collins, Headmaster of Southland Academy, it became obvious the impact education and educators have had and continue to have on his life journey and how he is using the field of education to change the world, especially in Sumter County. Born and raised in Camilla, Ga., Dr. Collins is the third generation of Collins to influence young people and the future through education. Both his father and his grandfather were respected and influential educators in the Mitchell County School System, with his grandfather being the Superintendent of Mitchell County Schools during the late 1960s and early 1970s,

Hometown Living At Its Best

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

I have heard and, as an educator, I completely agree with a quote by Ernie Fletcher that ‘education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation.’

Sumter county Living

successfully navigating the changes that came with that era. He has been surrounded by educators all his life and his desire to reach future generations was cemented early in his life. While his formative years were spent further south, Dr. Collins is no stranger to Sumter County. He received his undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University, where he met his wife and Americus native Melanie Hall. He came to Americus to pursue his Master’s degree at Georgia Southwestern, where he was also a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball program. Athletics have remained one of his passions and he has successfully used this avenue to make a “whodifference” in the lives of young people throughout his career. Realizing his life purpose was to be involved in the lives of students, Dr. Collins continued his education by receiving his Doctorate from Florida State University as he worked full-time. He has used his knowledge in the classroom and on the playing fields at Southland and Deerfield, and as the Head of School at St. George’s Episcopal School in Griffin, Georgia. He led in developing the high school program there from the ground up and feels that is one of his greatest accomplishments as an educator. When asked what drew him to education, Dr. Collins credited the influence of his father and grandfather, but also has always felt a calling as a Christian to develop relationships with and positively impact students. Dr. Collins was a student minister at First Baptist Church of Americus, and this helped solidify his purpose in life. He remembers a time when he was making career decisions as a young man that a mentor told him that ministry is not confined to inside the church, but often occurs outside the walls of the church, directly impacting the lives of others daily.

Hometown Living At Its Best

With that wisdom in mind, Dr. Collins views his role as an educator as more than a profession. He feels God has called him to this field to positively impact students, families, and the larger community of Americus and Sumter County. He has numerous stories of how he has been able to walk with both students and families in times of unbelievable sadness and crisis, as well as have the privilege to celebrate with them in times of joy. Dr. Collins stated that the relationships he has developed over his career with entire families have been one of most rewarding aspects of the job and what continues to drive his decisions and dreams.

Sumter county Living

When we spoke about Southland and his new position here (Fall of 2020), his excitement and passion was obvious. Dr. Collins began his teaching and coaching career at Southland and said he has always had a special place in his heart not only for Southland, but also for the Americus community. Coming back to Southland as the current headmaster has allowed him to renew friendships with the bonus of being closer to his extended family. He speaks with excitement about his strategic plan to continue educating students for life, as well as remain an integral part of the overall community.

Dr. Collins has a fondness for high school students and young adults, continuing to teach at least one high school history class. He stated this is a great way to remain involved in the lives of students and be knowledgeable about what motivates and challenges them.

Top priorities for Dr. Collins are to increase instructional time for art, technology, and foreign language so that students can develop personal interests as well as be more marketable in a global economy. Improvements to facilities are also in the plan to include current buildings and athletic facilities, improving and enhancing technology resources as well as offering students areas to enjoy nature in a secure setting on the school grounds. There will be added academic resources through the learning lab to include test-taking skills and strategies, as well as providing non-academic resources of service and leadership opportunities

that will reach into the larger community of Americus and Sumter County. His vision to reach others is seen in the plans to begin a parent- mentor group program, as well as provide resources that will be available to parents both within Southland and to the larger community of Sumter County. Knowing that one of the best ways to learn is through experience, there is also a plan for increasing educational trips to historically significant places within the United States and abroad. Students will also be encouraged and supported in visiting college campuses as they determine what might be the best fit for them as they continue to pursue

Hometown Living At Its Best

educational opportunities after leaving Southland. In addition to his responsibilities leading Southland, Dr. Collins is a dedicated husband and father. He has been married to Melanie Hall Collins for 24 years and they have three children. Drew is a student at UGA, Hudson graduated from Southland in May 2022, and plans to attend Georgia College, and Mary Ramsey is currently in high school at Southland. He feels he can relate to the struggles parents experience as he is also walking the path of raising the next generation in a world that is ever changing. Dr. Collins has a fondness for high school students and young adults, continuing to teach at least one high school history class. He stated this is a great way to remain involved in the lives of students and be knowledgeable about what motivates and challenges them. As a teacher, he identifies with the idea of Albert Einstein who once said, “Education is not the learning of facts but training of the mind to think.” Dr. Collins challenges students to think and question, not only in the educational realm but also the spiritual. He feels it is important to encourage students to develop their faith through the offering of daily devotions, Bible classes, assemblies, and mission trips during their time at Southland. He continues this mission outside of the walls of Southland as he currently serves as the College Sunday School 100

Sumter county Living

teacher at Central Baptist Church, impacting young adults and modeling what living a life of service and dedication to faith can look like. I have heard and, as an educator, I completely agree with a quote by Ernie Fletcher that ‘education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation.’ Dr. Collins feels Southland is a wonderful place to live out that philosophy and is excited about the possibilities that are ahead for the students, families, staff, and community, as well as the impact his leadership can have on the larger community. He wholeheartedly backs the commitment to excellence at Southland, which is stated in their mission to ‘provide a firm foundation on which each student can build a strong mind, body, and spirit’. Being an educator, coach, community leader, and follower of Christ, Dr. Collins is in a great position to leave a legacy that extends for generations to come.SCL

Knowing that one of the best ways to learn is through experience, there is also a plan for increasing educational trips to historically significant places within the United States and abroad. Students will also be encouraged and supported in visiting college campuses as they determine what might be the best fit for them as they continue to pursue educational opportunities after leaving Southland.

Hometown Living At Its Best

101

home repairs, upgrades, maintenance?

We’ve got personal loan options to fund your needs.    

Lawn Care Product Loans HVAC Loans Roof Repair or Replacement Loans Home Improvement Loans & more!

229.924.4011

cbkamericus.com

introducing our newest dentist Thomas Greneker

Voted the best dental office of Sumter County for multiple years!

cleanings scaling and root planing curettage bleaching fillings cosmetic fillings veneers crowns bridges implant restorations root canals oral surgery dentures Botox and Dermal Fillers

A better life begins with a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. 204 Hudson St, Suite B | Americus, Ga 31709 | 229.924.2224 | drriccardi.com

settle in for adventure withyouinmindpublications.com 104

sumter county living

SUMTER COUNTY

Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

105

Bright Future SERVING UP A

106

sumter county living

S t o ry by L i s a H o l l o way | P h o t o s by S m i t t P h o t o g r a p h y

Lois Lowry, famous author of books for

children and young adults, once said, “Kids

10-year-old Dylan Gruber uses his cooking to bring himself joy and make others happy.

deserve the right to think they can change the world.” For Dylan Gruber, life did not start out with that hope. His younger years were, in the words of his father, “rough and filled with reasons why he could not change his own life, much less the world. He was shy, didn’t have many resources or basic needs, and it was said he probably would not be able to read, perform basic math, or communicate independently.

Hometown Living At Its Best

107

Dylan is one of the few 10-year-olds who owns his own pull-behind smoker, made out of a 500-gallon fuel tank with 20-inch mud tires, which makes entering competitions and attending events possible.

Thankfully, others who realized he has something big to offer the world stepped up and have helped do whatever it takes to give him every opportunity to be successful.” Dylan is in many ways like any other 10-year-old boy. He likes basketball, monster trucks, Superheroes, Legos, and cars. He said school can be boring, except for history, which is his favorite subject. His teacher, Ms. Faust, said she has never seen a kid who loves history like he does! He likes to read and research information. He is good in math and has grown “leaps and bounds” since the beginning of the school year. If you didn’t know better, you would think he was just an average 4th grader at Furlow Charter School. But I quickly learned there is nothing average about this young man! Dylan’s cooking talent was discovered much by accident while his parents were encouraging him to try different activities to see where his interests were. Cooking was not on the radar, but his mother noticed that, when she was in the kitchen preparing meals, he was very curious 108

sumter county living

Hometown Living At Its Best

109

110

sumter county living

and attentive. One day, she asked Dylan if he

you buy already made! He said that most

would like to help her cook. He said he was

people love his chili that he named “Dylan’s

a little nervous, but his mom said, “the worst

Famous Chili” and this recipe won 1st place

thing that could happen is we might have to call

at the Americus Chili Cookoff. Chili is not his

the fire department” and she let him experiment.

only specialty…he also won 1st place at the

That started something bigger than they could

Richland Pigfest with his ribs, beating out 28

have ever imagined and has opened amazing

other professional teams. He also won 1st place

opportunities that no one dreamed possible

at the Georgia National Fair for his fudge, but

for this young man. He has entered contests,

he entered this under his mom’s name because

catered meals, donated his creations for charity,

he was not old enough to compete for the prize.

and blessed his family and friends with his

He participated in the Smithville Chicken Pie

talent.

Festival, winning a 2nd-place prize; but one of

When Dylan and I talked about his favorite

his most exciting events was in Dublin, GA,

things to cook, he said his favorites are ribs,

where he cooked pulled pork, ribs, and chicken.

pizza casserole, chili, fudge, and biscuits and

Here he was interviewed by WMAZ and said it

gravy, but he was quick to note not the biscuits

was “really cool” to be on TV.

Hometown Living At Its Best

111

In addition to his family, Dylan

In addition to competitions, Dylan has also

has support and financial help

catered several events, gaining quite a reputation.

from individuals and businesses

At the Munchies and Music at the Market in

in Americus and Sumter County including Chuck Smith, Perry Brothers Tires, Bob Saint, Larry Harrod, and Jason and Lori Moore, owners of Look No More BBQ seasoning. Jason has been

Dublin, he sold out of his loaded macaroni and cheese within 30 minutes. He also served sausage dogs with his special blend of barbecue sauce and even topped some with macaroni and

especially helpful, mentoring

cheese. His father said when word got around

Dylan in developing flavoring,

the festival about his specialties, people were

seasoning skills, and teaching new techniques. There is quite a long

lined up as far as a city block and it did not take

list of many in the community who

long for him to completely sell out! He has also

have provided resources to help Dylan excel!

cooked for a local church and mission group, recently catering a supper for Plains Methodist featuring his Aunt Barbara’s Butterfinger Pie,

112

sumter county living Hometown Living At Its Best

Hometown Living At Its Best 113

as well as donating fudge for a raffle to help When Dylan and I talked about his favorite things to cook, he said his favorites are ribs, pizza casserole, chili, fudge, and biscuits and gravy, but he was quick to note not the biscuits you

support a mission group going to Uganda. Of course, all of this could not be possible for a 10-year-old boy without the help of others, and he wanted to be sure to recognize

buy already made! He said that

some of the main people who support him.

most people love his chili that he

In addition to his parents, Turner and Jenna,

named “Dylan’s Famous Chili” and this recipe won 1st place at the Americus Chili Cookoff.

he says his Grandma and Paw (Bonnie and David Flick), his “Bunny and Big Daddy” (Terri and Stan Jones), Gigi (Janice Gruber),

114

sumter county living

Hometown Living At Its Best

115

116

sumter county living

For Dylan Gruber, life did not start out with that hope. His younger years were, in the words of his father, “rough and filled with reasons why he could not change his own life, much less the world. He was shy, didn’t have many resources or basic needs, and it was said he probably would not be able to read, perform basic math, or communicate independently. Thankfully, others who realized he has something big to offer the world stepped up and have helped do whatever it takes to give him every opportunity to be successful.”

Meme (Sherry DeWitt), and Pops (Jerry Gruber). There are also many family members like Tracy and Jeremy Godfrey, Aunt Barbara Montgomery, Aunt Edna Wynn, to name a few, that have helped him by attending the events, encouraging him to try new things, providing supplies, and sharing secret recipes, none of which he would share! He said his mom and grandma are the best cooks he knows, and he has learned so much from them. One of the favorite things to do with his mom is to pull out random ingredients and see what they can make. This has led to some unique and delicious combinations! In addition to his family, Dylan has support and financial help from individuals and businesses in Americus and Sumter County including Chuck Smith, Perry Brothers Tires, Bob Saint, Larry Harrod, and Jason and Lori Moore, owners of Look No More BBQ seasoning. Jason has been especially helpful, mentoring Dylan in developing flavoring, seasoning skills, and teaching Hometown Living At Its Best

117

Dylan’s cooking talent was discovered much by accident while his parents were encouraging him to try different activities to see where his interests were. Cooking was not on the radar, but his mother noticed that, when she was in the kitchen preparing meals, he was very curious and attentive.

new techniques. There is quite a long list of many in the community who have provided resources to help Dylan excel! Cooking is not something most people associate with active young boys, so I was curious as to why this became his passion. Dylan said very simply that it makes other people happy. He also feels like he is surprisingly good at it and the success he has had helps him realize how far he has come in life, giving him courage to continue to try new things, especially in the kitchen. A few things he wants to learn to cook are octopus, sushi, Hibachi chicken, and brisket. He has big dreams for cooking in the future. Dylan said he has a goal to be on Master Chef, Jr. and win the money! When he grows up, he said he wants to own a restaurant in Americus where his goal is to serve a variety of foods from all over the world. He noted that his first employee will be his mom! In the meantime, he wants to get a food truck and travel around the community, serving foods from other cultures as well as traditional American dishes. Dylan’s parents are enormously proud of their son, but also extremely thankful for the community that has made it all possible. Dylan is one of the few 10-year-olds who owns his own pull-behind smoker, made out of a 500-gallon fuel tank with 20inch mud tires, which makes entering competitions and attending events possible. The crew at Perry Brothers, where his dad works, especially Josh Cooper and William McKinley, have led the way with help from Danny Whitaker and Lance and Tori

118

sumter county living

Perry. I found it special when Dylan joined in

card he had been given for his birthday, and

the conversation telling me how each person had

unbeknownst to his family, ordered a sushi

contributed to his success. He has an obvious

making kit. He had never attempted sushi

respect and appreciation and realizes even as a

before, but he used the directions in the kit to

young boy that this truly is a team effort.

make the meal especially for his father because

It is obvious when talking to Dylan that it brings him joy to use his cooking to make

he knew it would make him happy. He is a kid with a big heart and an obvious

others happy. He said he does not eat much of

appreciation for his family, friends, teachers,

what he cooks, but prefers to cook for others.

and his larger community of support. I’d say

When Dylan found out one of his dad’s favorite

this is the perfect recipe for a successful future

things to eat is sushi, he used the Amazon gift

for Dylan! SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

119

If the busyness of life has been drowning out the signal to take care of yourself,

then it’s time to hit the pause button.

4 Day Luxury Self Care Retreat in Belize Join us - Friday April 14th - Monday April 17th, 2023 This retreat offering is a nurturance of the spirit of self-care; an exploration and contemplation of slowing down enough to recognize our own presence. Hosted by Certified Life Coach, Amy Capello, this all-inclusive luxury retreat offers exclusive life coaching workshops as well as activities to renew, reflect, and retreat. Daily morning yoga, a visit to a chocolate farm, and snorkeling at the world’s second largest barrier reef are only part of what’s included.

Email Amy to learn more and sign up online. Limited spots available.

Amy Capello | Certified Life Coach | Pure Joy Life Coaching | 912-224-9284 | purejoylifecoaching.com

offering unique gifts, beautiful indoor tropical plants and decor for your Southern home.

209 N. Jackson Street | Americus, GA 31709

(229) 596-1013

Hometown Living At Its Best

121

1011 OAK AVENUE | AMERICUS , GA 31709 | 229.924.6101

122

sumter county living

AMERICUS CAMPUS

900 South GA Tech Pkwy Americus, Georgia 31709

Community College in Georgia Survey by niche.com

s r a e Y e e r h T in a Row!

CRISP COUNTY CENTER 402 North Midway Road Cordele, Georgia 31015

www.southgatech.edu 800.928.0283

APPLY ONLINE TODAY As set forth in its student catalog, South Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Eulish Kinchens, 229.931.2249 or ekinchens@southgatech.edu; or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Jennifer Robinson, 229.931.2595 or jennifer.robinson@southgatech.edu.

Gatewood, Skipper, and Rambo, PC ATTORNEYS AT LAW

410 W. Lamar St. Americus, GA 31709 229.924.9316

Hometown Living At Its Best

123

J OHNSTON Realty Group Inc.

Putting our

market knowledge to work for you

1524 S Lee ST, Americus, GA 31709 | Phone: (229) 928-8293 | Fax: (844) 674-1120 | johnstonrealtygroup.com

Creating greater experiences through mindful design

S M A R T S PAC E S

COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

OUTDOOR

SPORTS

RESIDENTIAL

Cooper Lighting Solutions delivers a range of innovative and reliable indoor and outdoor lighting and controls solutions, specifically designed to maximize performance, energy efficiency and cost savings. cooperlighting.com

AD53044422-Sumter-County-ad.indd 1

124

sumter county living

5/23/22 3:33 PM

Custom Built Cabinets Residential & Commercial

D&D

KITCHEN CENTER

(229) 883-8687 www.danddkitchens.org 604 N. Washington St. | Albany, GA 31701

Georgia Rural Telephone Museum Home to the largest collection of antique telephones and telephone memorabilia in the world.

See what it is all about! The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. For details call: (229) 874-4786 135 N. Bailey Avenue | Leslie, GA 31764 | www.grtm.org Hometown Living At Its Best

125

Story by Rebekah McLeod | Photos by David Parks Photography

giving farmers a

fighting chance Cafe Campesino and Cooperative Coffees Give Small-Scale Farmers a Shot at the International Market

I arrive at Cafe Campesino’s headquarters on the kind of day in South Georgia that starts mild but turns blazing hot by noon. The metal building that houses the coffee roastery sits near the heart of Americus, an old World War II era Quonset Hut that looks more than a bit weatherworn. As I walk inside, I’m greeted by CEO Tripp Pomeroy; the smell of coffee wafting through the front office makes the roastery’s steely surroundings at once seem warm and inviting. “Americus, Georgia, is a wonderful, socially entrepreneurial part of the country,” says Tripp, when asked about the company’s location and history. Cafe Campesino’s roots can be traced back to Koinonia, a farm founded in 1942 with the mission of replicating the early Christian church and a community working and living alongside one another regardless of

126

Sumter county Living

race, gender or socioeconomic status. Two of Koinonia’s members, Millard and Linda Fuller, were responsible for founding Habitat for Humanity International and, in 2005, the Fuller Center for Housing. While both Habitat and the Fuller Center are focused on providing adequate shelter for people worldwide, the nonprofits simultaneously gave rise to a cooperative of specialty grade, fair trade, organic coffee roasters. “I was a post-college volunteer with Habitat, and that’s where I met Bill,” Tripp explains. Bill Harris, CFO and co-founder of Cafe Campesino, was in Guatemala in 1997 when his team was building a home and unknowingly dumped a pile of dirt on a farmer’s coffee bush. The farmer became angry, and after a 90-minute conversation, the farmer agreed

Hometown Living At Its Best

127

to let the volunteer group continue their work. However, Bill came back to the states curious about the plight of small coffee farmers. What he found in his research was shocking: farmers who owned less than 10 acres of land were only getting paid 50 cents per pound of coffee—and each bush only produces about one pound of green coffee. For many of these farmers, coffee was their only source of income for their families. Bill envisioned a concept that would allow American coffee roasters to band together and buy specialty-grade coffee from small farmers at a fair price. Part of Bill’s inspiration was seeing how small-scale farmers had already found a similar solution around the inequities of the trade system: they had been forming cooperatives in order to pool their resources, fill an entire shipping container and export their coffee at better rates. “One small-scale coffee farmer can only produce a few bags of export-grade coffee per year,” says Tripp. “If you get 50 farmers together and they form a co-op and aggregate their supply, they can start to fill a container (one container holds 40,000 pounds of coffee); if you get 500 farmers together, all united around transparency, fair trade, principles within the co-op as in trading relationships, you’ve reached the economy of scale for small coffee farmers to be able to sell their coffee directly to the international market.”

128

Sumter county Living

Bill envisioned a concept that would allow American coffee roasters to band together and buy specialty-grade coffee from small farmers at a fair price.

Hometown Living At Its Best

129

“Americus, Georgia, is a wonderful, socially entrepreneurial part of the country,” says Tripp, when asked about the company’s location and history. Cafe Campesino’s roots can be traced back to Koinonia, a farm founded in 1942 with the mission of replicating the early Christian church and a community working and living alongside one another regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status.

What Bill created was basically a mirror image of what coffee farmers were already doing. Bill recruited other roasters to buy exclusively from small-scale, farmerowned cooperatives supplied by farmers who owned one to three acres. Cooperative Coffees, a one-of-a-kind company in North America, was founded in 1999 with a total of six roasters. Today, the cooperative includes 23 roasters. Cafe Campesino is one of the 23, with Bill’s brother, Lee Harris, as the roastmaster. We take a tour back inside the roastery and Tripp introduces me to several employees, all busily working, one watching carefully over the green coffee beans whirling around on the roaster. In the back room, I see scores of burlap bags full of

130

Sumter county Living

coffee, neatly arranged on pallets and identifiable by the labels on the wall behind them. “What’s the difference between washed and unwashed coffee beans?” I ask, as I scan the labels. “It has to do with whether the cherries are dried with or without the pulp,” Tripp answers. “The washing produces a slightly different profile, but both are good.” I am embarrassed at the fact that I am a true coffee-lover, and yet I had no idea there were cherries involved, or that the coffee “bean” is the pit of the cherry. Tripp tells me he joined the Cafe Campesino team in mid-2004 and has helped manage the growth of the wholesale, retail and marketing sides of the business. This year, Cafe Campesino will roast over 150,000 pounds of coffee, distributing to customers nationwide. Tripp’s passion and drive for quality coffee and quality relationships are contagious: “We care about our farmers. If we can pay them a fair price, a lot of social problems can be solved. Cafe Campesino is driven by principles of fairness, contract terms (not demands), quality expectations and prompt payment…our supply

chain was extremely reliable through COVID, and I attribute it to the deep, ongoing, outstanding trading relationships with the farmers we work with.” Cooperative Coffees import over 150 containers of green coffee beans per year, and the beans all come from high altitude growers who live within 10-15 degrees of the Equator. Some of the co-ops who produce for them are in Guatemala, Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru, Sumatra, and Ethiopia. Cafe Campesino and its 22 partners in Cooperative Coffees are committed to giving back to the farmers through the Impact Committee, which ensures that three cents of every pound of coffee purchased funds grassroots projects run by the farmers themselves. What is unique about Cafe Campesino is that the roasters involved with them in Cooperative Coffees are also in competition with one another, and yet they have to figure out how to buy coffee together. I ask Tripp how that is possible and he answers, “Self-restraint. It’s a big market and there’s room for everyone.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

131

He asks me what kind of coffee I like and I say, “Dark roasts…but I hear they have less caffeine than lighter roasts.” He replies, “Not enough to make a difference.” I am handed two brown bags of ground coffee to take as a parting gift, and I smile, knowing there will be zero self-restraint for me in opening them as soon as I get home. For more information on Cafe Campesino or to purchase their specialty coffee, go to www.cafecampesino.com.  SCL

132

Sumter county Living

SELLING MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES! STARTING FROM 0M-3XL! 116 N. JACKSON STREET | AMERICUS, GA 31709 | SHOPLILYSSOUTHERNBOUTIQUE.COM | 229-815-4912

Full Service Accounting and Tax Management for Individuals and Businesses

Americus Office:

GENERAL & SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY •

Cordele Office:

• Tifton Office:

Warner Robins Office:

Strickland Accounting LLC Full Service Accounting & Tax Management 102 Mayo Street | Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-8144

stricklandaccounting.com

We're the Heart of Hometown Dermatology

GADERM.COM

Hometown Living At Its Best

133

2Duke’s Barbeque

116 W. Lamar Street | Americus, GA 31709

www.scotts-jewelry.com 229-410-5193 | gyrocitymediterraneangrill.com

210 W Lamar St, Americus, GA | (229) 928-3630

500 Tripp Street | Americus, GA 31709 229-938-6378 | 2dukesbbq.com

MOSSY POND RETRIEVERS

It all starts with a boy and a dog... 110 N Jackson St, Americus, GA 31709 (229) 924-5967

t wan We ur ar yo r e h o o t eas f y d i y t stor oun er C zine! t m a Su Mag g n i Liv all s a c 045 u e Giv 654-3 12) at (9 s at ail iucations.com m e bl or pu

3099 Mayberry Road | Patterson, GA 31557 MossyPondRetrievers.com | (912) 288-1549

wyim

jay@

life t h e

lo c a l

style

m a r k e t

p l ac e

life t h e

Arnold & Hooks, LLC AT TOR N E YS

L AW

& style

lo c a l

m a r k e t

p l ac e

Roberts Pat’sRoberts Pat’s Arnold & Hooks, LLC AT TORNE YS

LAW

Place JEWELERS

Place

JEWELERS

Great Food and Fun!

Cavender

Guitars

Barber Sho

302 W Lamar St # B, Americus, G

Instruments, Repairs, Lessons

Cavender’s

1560 East Forsyth Street | Americus, GA 31709 229-944-8131 | www.tlguitars.com 134

Guitars

Sumter county Living

Barber Shop

302 W Lamar St # B, Americus, GA 31709

Instruments, Repairs, Lessons 1560 East Forsyth Street | Americus, GA 31709 229-944-8131 | www.tlguitars.com 134

1526 South Lee St. | Americus, GA 31709 229.924.0033 | www.pats-place.com

(229) 924-4030

Sumter county Living

Residential/Commercial Real Estate • Criminal/DUI Defense • General Civil Litigation• Estate Planning & Administration • Corporate & Small Business Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury

www.scotts-jewelry.com 416 West Lamar Street | Americus, Georgia 31709 210 W Lamar St, Americus, GA | (229) 928-3630 (229)389-2045 | www.arnoldhooks.com

416 Lamar Street | Americus, Georgia 31709 110West W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-5024 (229)389-2045 | www.arnoldhooks.com

1526 S. Lee Street | Americus, GA 31709 110 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-5024 229-924-0033 | www.pats-place.com

WE ARE

MOSSY POND RETRIEVERS

THAN JUST LUMBER

unique, fresh and delicious

Little Brothers Bistro 133 W LAMAR ST, AMERICUS, GA | (229) 924-6944 LITTLEBROTHERSBISTRO.COM

It all starts with a boy and a dog... 1461 US-19 | Leesburg , GA 31763 229-800-6972 3099 Mayberry Road | Patterson, GA 31557 MossyPondRetrievers.com | (912) 288-1549

t wan We ur ar yo r e h o o t eas f y d i y t stor oun er C zine! t m a Su Mag g n i Liv all s a c 045 u e Giv 654-3 2) t (91 a s at om PAINT, CABINETS, FLOORING ail iucation&s.cMORE m e bl or mpu

i w|yAmericus, 720 West Church Street GA 31709 jay@ Phone 229-924-2717 | www.shiverlumber.com

(229) 924-40

Index of Advertisers 2Duke’s Barbeque ……..……...........…………………… 134

Lily’s Southern Boutique …………...........................… 133

A Cut Above Salon ……………………...............…………… 9

Little Brothers Bistro …….......…………………………… 135

Accelerated Physical Therapy …………………..………… 63

Louis A. Riccardi, DDS, PC …..............………………… 103

Adams Exterminators ……………………………........…… 62

Merle Norman Cosmetics …………………............…… 134

Americus Dental ……….………………… Inside Front Cover

Mossy Pond Retrievers ……………………………....…… 134

Arnold & Hooks, LLC Attorneys at Law ….............…… 135

Nutrien ………………............................………………… 122

Blanchard Photography ………………………….....… 75, 92

Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning …...........………… 77

Central Baptist Church ……………………………….....… 2-3

Pat’s Place …………......................……………………… 135

Chandler Morgan Eyeworks …………………………… 26-27

Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall …..……………… 46-47

Citizens Bank of Americus ………….....… 102, Back Cover

Pro-Tech Security Group, Inc. ………….............……… 122

City of Andersonville ……………………..........…………… 90

Pure Joy Life Coaching - Amy Capello....................... 120

Cooper Lighting Solutions ……………………..………… 124

Roberts Jewelers …….............…………………………… 135

Custom Performance Auto …………..........................… 93

Scott’s Jewelry …………………................……………… 134

D & D Kitchen Center ………………….............………… 125

Shiver Lumber Company …………………..............…… 135

David Parks Photography ……….........……………… 60-61

Shiver Outdoor & Archery ……………............………… 135

Decorating Unlimited ……………………..…………… 22-23

South Georgia Technical College ….......……………… 123

Firstate Bank ……………….......................………………… 7

Southland Academy ………………………..........………… 89

Friends of Jimmy Carter …………………….....…………… 59

Strickland Accounting LLC ……………………….....…… 133

Gatewood, Skipper, and Rambo, PC ……….........…… 123

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce …………… 44-45

Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center ………… 133

Sumter County Living ……........…………………… 104-105

Georgia National Fair ………........………...........……… 121

Sunbelt Ford of Americus ………....…… Inside Back Cover

Georgia Rural Telephone Museum ………………..…… 125

The Auction Way Company ……...................…………… 76

Georgia Southwestern State University ……….…… 34-35

The Sweet Spot Baking Co. ………………..………………… 1

Gyro City Mediterranean Grill …………..........………… 134

Three’s Company Too ………………………….........……… 91

Harvey Drilling ……………………….............………… 24-25

Topiaries Home & Garden …………………….…….....… 121

Johnston Realty Group Inc. …………....………………… 124

Veranda Medical Group ………………………….......……… 5

Please thank our sponsors for making this publication possible! 136

Sumter county living

Hometown Living at its Best Fall 2022 SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

VISITING SUMTER COUNTY

Americus, Georgia, Sumter County is rich in history, talent, and beauty.

TWO RECIPES FOR SUCCESS Little Brother’s Bistro and Toboggan Steve’s

t o p S t Swee HITTING THAT

OUT OF EMILY SIMPSON'S CULINARY CREATIONS, THE SWEET SPOT WAS BORN.

Sumter County Living - Fall 2022

Articles inside

Sundays at 9:30 AM Real Momentum Revival - July 31-August

125 Year Anniversary - September